Museum Studies Certificate in Collections Conservation

Note: Some details of the graduate certificate program are changing. Please check back for more information as it is available. Thanks!

The graduate certificate program in collections conservation will provide a student enrolled in or a recent graduate of the Museum Studies Program with the opportunity to take advanced conservation coursework while working with professional conservators in the University of Kansas Libraries’ Stannard Conservation Laboratory. The program is structured to provide the participant with a solid background in preservation and conservation theory, principles and philosophical issues, and to apply this knowledge while working under the direction of conservation professionals. The program structure is flexible enough to allow the students to mold the program to fit their individual interests. This program will not produce conservators, but it will provide certificate recipients with a general, broad background that will enable them to effectively cope with many of the collections conservation issues they will face in a museum, archive, or library environment.

Program Structure

The program provides a nine-month intensive combination of academic coursework and professional experience in the application of conservation theory and principles. Conservation is a practicing profession; because there is no substitute for professional experience, all graduate conservation training programs combine academic coursework with an apprenticeship model. Working daily in a conservation facility, on various types of materials, enables the participants to apply theory and philosophy, develop skills, become confident in their abilities, and understand treatment strategies.

Course Sequence

Participants in this program will complete 12 credit hours of courses in collections conservation and preservation. The courses are MUSE 810, Materials Conservation; MUSE 830, Preventive Conservation; MUSE 840, Conservation Assessment; and MUSE 880, Advanced Conservation.

Academic Objectives of the Program

Each graduate student will develop a knowledge base in the following areas:

Appreciating organic- and inorganic-based objects, specimens, and artifacts.
Understanding of the conservator-curator relationship.
Application of conservation principles to exhibition development and preparation.
Environmental monitoring and preventive conservation.
Archival quality supplies, supports, and housings.
Paper mending, basic bookbinding, and creation of custom enclosures.
Experience working on specific conservation projects in an area of the student’s interest.

Each student will develop and complete an original research project. It is expected that the project will result in a publishable paper or scholarly presentation on the research.

Recruitment Plan

The certificate program will be open to applicants who have successfully completed the Master’s degree in Museum Studies or are currently enrolled and have completed requisite coursework. Applicants will submit a letter to the Certificate Program Review Committee (in care of Whitney Baker, 135 Watson Library, Campus) including their interest, qualifications, and three names of references. Applicants will be evaluated based on letter of application, academic performance in the Museum Studies Program (particularly in the core courses), and letters of reference. The review commmitee will consist of program instructors.

For more information, please contact Whitney Baker.

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